SPE at a Glance

Every day, the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) takes action to help companies in the plastics industry succeed. How? By spreading knowledge, strengthening skills and promoting plastics. Employing these vital strategies, SPE has helped the plastics industry thrive for over 60 years. In the process, we've developed a 25,000-member network of leading engineers and other plastics professionals, including technicians, salespeople, marketers, retailers and representatives from tertiary industries.

From a business standpoint, joining SPE was one of my best decisions. SPE membership is an extremely valuable resource, delivering the specialized knowledge and technical training that keeps me—and my staff—up-to-date on all of the state-of-the-art developments in the plastics industry. --William N. Nissle, Retired, Nissle & Associates More Member testimonials

SPE History
The Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc., was originally incorporated by the State of Michigan on January 6, 1942 as the Society of Plastics Sales Engineers. At the time there were 120 members in good standing. On August 21, 1942, the name was officially changed to the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc.
SPE has become the recognized medium of communication amongst scientists and engineers engaged in the development, conversion and applications of plastics. It is truly an international Society since a significant number of its members reside outside the United States.

SPE Objective
As stated in Article I of the Constitution, the objective of the Society is "...to promote the scientific and engineering knowledge relating to plastics."

SPE Governance
Operations of SPE are carried on by a staff headed by an Executive Director, employed by the Executive Committee, who is the business manager of the Society.

The governing body of the Society is the Council, consisting of the Officers and Representatives elected by members affiliated with the respective Sections and Divisions. The Officers of the Society are the President, President-elect, Senior Vice President, nine Vice Presidents, the Past President, the Prior Past President and the Executive Director. The Officers (with the exception of the Executive Director) are elected annually for one year terms by the Council.

The Council meets four times annually to establish policy, elect Officers and adopt a program of activities. The Executive Committee meets more frequently to review the program of activities and to direct operations. In addition, the Executive Committee meets at least once prior to each Council meeting to coordinate policy recommendations for submission to Council.